Issuu

Issue 44 Volume 38

Celebrating 37 Years!

SEAMEC RATINGS p. 8

OUTLOUD p. 17

ROVE TARGETS MURRAY p. 25

Seattle Gay News

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SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

“We need to make it President Obama and fellow better for everyone” Democrats rock the UW AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka makes video contribution

On October 21 the University of Washington hosted perhaps its most distinguished speaker as President Barack Obama joined incumbent Senator Patty Murray, Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire, and other Democrat allies to galvanize support for Murray’s beleaguered bid to return to the U.S. Senate. Comprised of 10,000 people inside the pavilion and an overflow audience of 3,000 in the Husky Stadium next door, the afternoon event brought together the heaviest-hitting Democrats in state and national politics while stressing the themes of job growth, community, and social services in the upcoming midterm elections. After words from King County Executive Dow Constantine, 8th Congressional District candidate Suzan DelBene, U.S. House Representative Jay Inslee, and Congressman Norm Dicks, Governor Christine Gregoire took the stage. She kept her remarks brief and see trumka page 20 concise: “America has forgotten

afl-cio

kids and young adults is wrong. When any group or individual is bullied or discriminated against based on their identity, it’s simply destructive to who we are as a nation.” Trumka released his video on October 25 and it immediately went viral in the ranks of organized labor. “We’ve gotten it out so widely,” AFL-CIO spokesperson Amaya Tune told SGN. “We added it to our YouTube channel and we also have it on Facebook and our blog, we sent it out on Twitter….” Pride At Work, the AFL-CIO’s LGBT group, sent it out to every chapter, and the Martin Luther King County Labor Council (MLKCLC) forwarded it to each

Tom Williams

by Rahul K. Gairola Special to the SGN

Richard Trumka

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer “We need to make it better for everyone,” AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka says in his video contribution to the “It Gets Better” project. “What’s happening to LGBT

President Obama waves to the crowd at the University of Washington.

where we were two years ago. … We have avoided a depression, and we are putting America back to work!” President Obama and Senator Murray mounted the stage to-

gether to thunderous applause. As the president took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and stood by the podium, Murray opened with see obama page 21

file photo

Patty Murray 100%, says HRC The on-again, offagain saga of DADT

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer U.S. Senator Patty Murray has scored 100% on HRC’s latest Congressional Scorecard. The rankings for the current 111th Congress were released October 21. HRC based its Senate rating on

nine issues: voting Yes on federal hate crimes legislation covering sexual orientation and gender identity; voting to bring Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal to the floor for debate; voting No on a proposal to suspend same-sex marriages in D.C.; voting to confirm Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan; and

During the month of October, DADT has been revoked and reinstated by U.S. courts, fueling confusion within the military and enraging Gay activists who’ve been fighting to repeal the 17-year-old discriminatory policy. Noting the confusion, Defense Secretary Robert Gates issued a memo scaling back the authority to kick out troops under DADT. Gate’s marching orders are that, now, only the heads of the Army, Navy and Air Force (the U.S. Marine Corps. is a department of the Navy), “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” protester in coordination with two by Shaun Knittel other officials, will be allowed to SGN Associate Editor approve DADT discharges, as opposed to the hundreds of officers The tug-of-war between Gays in who could previously enforce the the military and the Obama admin- ban. istration continued this week, with President Barack Obama, who no ground gained by either side. received strong support from In a small victory for active duty LGBT voters in his 2008 election, Gay troops, the Pentagon tight- insists he supports ending the ban, ened controls on discharges late but says he doesn’t believe that last week as Department of De- DADT should be repealed by the fense officials predicted months of courts. Instead, he says, it’s up to legal uncertainty over the future of its ban on homosexuals, known as see Murray page 20 “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT). see DADT page 20

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We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.

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Senator Patty Murray

co-sponsoring ENDA, the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), the Early Treatment for HIV Act, and a measure to equalize taxes on employer-provided domestic partner benefits. Murray is running for re-election against conservative Republican Dino Rossi, who supports none of the measures for which Murray got a perfect score from HRC. Sen. Murray is endorsed by SGN, HRC, ERW, SEAMEC, and a number of other progressive and labor organizations. Also getting a 100% rating was Seattle’s Congressman Jim McDermott (D-7). On the House side, the HRC also looked at nine issues: voting Yes on hate crimes legislation and No on a motion to send the bill back to committee; voting to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell; voting No on a proposal to prohibit federal funding for needle exchange programs; and co-sponsoring ENDA, UAFA, the Early Treatment for HIV Act, the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal DOMA, and the bill to equalize taxes on domestic partner benefits. McDermott faces a relatively easy re-election campaign against independent candidate Bob Jeffers-Schroder, who is running to highlight the danger of global

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2010

Deadlines Classiﬁeds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SGN ofﬁce All others - Tuesday 5pm

Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, Tim Peter

Contributing Writers

Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner

Classiﬁeds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863

Facebook promises to battle online bullying, but ad data outs Gay users by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Last month, after Rutgers classmates outed Tyler Clementi online as a Gay man, he ended his life. His last known words, posted on Facebook, were: “Jumping off the gw bridge sorry.” In an instant, Tyler was gone. In the wake of the student’s death, the social online network pledged to work with LGBT advocacy groups to help make the internet a Gay-friendlier place. Teaming with MTV, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and others, Facebook helped form what the groups are calling a “network of support.” “In light of recent tragedies involving youth who have taken their own lives as a result of anti-LGBT bullying, we felt it necessary to form a ‘network of support’ to help us effectively address issues faced by the LGBT community,” Facebook said in a post on its Safety Page. Facebook officials say that the Human Rights Campaign, the Trevor Project, the

Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works

Rickey Baker 1960-2010

Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.

Rickey unexpectedly passed away after he had taken pictures at a party in Brussels. On his way home, he did not feel well. He anxiously wanted to drive home, but he collapsed from an apparent breathing attack. The ambulance team was not able to revive him. Luc C. Claes and Rickey were a couple since August 4, 2000, and got married in Belgium in March, 2008. Rickey loved his life in Belgium. The couple planned to resettle in Vancouver BC. He was loved and appreciated by many on both sides of the Atlantic. A private cremation took place in Belgium on October 4, 2010. On October 10, friends held a Celebration of Life for Rickey. His husband spread his ashes, and that of their former dog, Dixie, in the field behind the house, where Rickey so enjoyed playing with the dog. His family in Kansas held their memorial. Neighbours Nightclub in Seattle held a minute of silence, and the various artists dedicated their song to him. Thank you, Rickey, for the privilege, gift, and honor of having shared just over 10 years of life and love with you. I loved you and will love you forever. This is not farewell, but au revoir. Luc C. Claes – your husband.

In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold

Seattle Gay News

Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays have all pledged their support for the network. Facebook began by providing six tips on how LGBT teens could protect themselves online, including how to block bullies and report harassment. Facebook also suggests that LGBT teens stick up for others, think twice before posting, reach out whenever they feel overwhelmed, and remember that they are not alone in their struggle. But perhaps Facebook’s officials should start that initiative by looking inward: News reports indicate that the user data Facebook sends to advertisers may be unwittingly outing some Gay users of the site – including closeted teens. A team of researchers at Microsoft Research and the Max Planck Institute found that advertisers could ferret out Gay users with a simple click on an ad. In order to form this conclusion, the researchers set up Facebook profiles for

straight men, straight women, a Lesbian woman, and a Gay man to monitor the types of ads that appeared on the site when each user was logged in to their profile. They found that the ads for the Gay and Lesbian users were different from the ads that appeared for the straight users. The researchers also found that when users click such ads, they essentially reveal their sexual orientation to advertisers on the other side. The collection of such information – especially when tied to something as sensitive as sexual orientation – could spell disaster for a user who thinks that he or she is being fastidious when keeping their profile private. Christopher Soghoian, an internet security blogger, further explains: “This means that simply clicking on a Facebook ad, a user could be revealing a bit of highly sensitive personal information to an advertiser, simply due to the fact that the advertiser has only targeted a particular group for that advertisement. Thus, the moment you arrive at the advertiser’s website, they know that the IP address and cookie value they have assigned to you is associated with someone that is Gay, Muslim, or a Republican. … I have a tough time imagining that Facebook will be able to sweep this under the carpet, or, that class-action attorneys won’t jump on this.” It would seem that the only surefire protection against this sort of data-mining is for closeted users to not click on Facebook’s ads.

October 29, 2010

Celebrating 37 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

October 29, 2010

Seattle Gay News

October 29, 2010

Celebrating 37 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

October 29, 2010

Seattle Gay News

October 29, 2010

Celebrating 37 Years!

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

KINKY CARNIVAL AT CENTER FOR SEX-POSITIVE CULTURE On Friday, October 29 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Center for Sex-Positive Culture (1602 15th Ave. W.), celebrate Kinky Carnival, a fun, safe place for adults to explore sensual expression and BDSM. The Kinky Carnival invites adults (18+) to sample a variety of experiences at the approximately two-dozen booths. From “Kiss” and “Cuddle” to “Spank” and “Rope,” each booth provides a specific experience in a safe, healthy environment. Designed for those who are new to sex-positivity and BDSM, the Kinky Carnival offers a way to try out fantasies at an easy pace and in a safe space. The Carnival will also feature the “Ask” booth, where attendees are invited to ask questions. Other booths include “Zap,” “Pierce,” “Submit,” “Sensation,” “Flog,” “Rub,” “Mmm,” and “Ground.” Tickets ($25 advance/$30 door/$100 Gold VIP) are available at Ticket Leap http://fspc. ticketleap.com/kinky-carnival/. Costumes are welcomed, but not required. BUMP FIRE + ICE HALLOWEEN PARTY On Friday, October 29 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Showbox at the Market (1426 1st Ave.), join the northwest’s hottest Halloween party, Bump: Fire + Ice. Benefiting Gay City and the Seattle Men’s and Women’s Choruses. Featuring DJs Nastina, Michael Holden, and Spaceotter. Hosted by Ben DeLa Crème. Fire performances by Furthermore Collective. Entertainment by Waxie Moon, Inga Ingenue, Paris Original and more. Costume contest with $1,000 prize. Grind afterparty in the Baltic Room. Regular tickets $35 in advance, four for $100. VIP tickets (discounted drinks, VIP area with dedicated bar, VIP entrance, and free photo) $60 in advance, four for $200. Platinum tickets (hosted bar, complimentary cocktails, hors d’ouevres, VIP area, gift bags, free parking, access to Grind afterparty) $125 in advance, two for $200. Tickets on sale at www.gaycity.org. SEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: DIA DE MUERTOS On Saturday, October 30 from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday, October 31 from noon to 6 p.m. at Seattle Center House (Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.), join Seattle Center Festál: Dia De Muertos. In the Mexican culture, to remember the departed is to remember what has been its history. It is to keep alive the very deepest of the Mexican roots, where indigenous and Spanish cultures intertwine in traditional community altars, sugar skulls, sand painting, special foods, candles, processions, music and dance. This year’s celebration features: Matoys, a contemporary music ensemble that expresses Pre-Hispanic themes, from México City: www.matoys.mx. The Seattle Fandango Project: music from the 400 year-old Fandango Jarocho tradition of Veracruz, Mexico, involving music, dance, and poetry born from encounters between European, Indigenous, African, and Arab cultures: www. facebook.com/pages/Seattle-FandangoProject/158069722064. Mixcoatl Anahuac: a traditional Aztec dance group from San Francisco, California. Four art exhibits from México City: Independencia y Revolución / Independence & Revolution, engravings by members of the Taller de Gráfica Popular; an engraving exhibit by Joel Rendón; Disidencia Emocional / Emotional Dissidence, photography exhibit by Roberto Uribe; and Identidades de México / Identities of México, an exhibit of illustrators. A Tapete de Arena Pintada (monumental sand painting) will be created for the Celebration. Dia de Muertos also features lectures on Mexican art, history, culture and anthropology, short films and animations, and works by traditional craftspeople from Michoácan, México. Community members and organi-

zations will create altars or “ofrendas” to remember the departed. There will be children’s art activities, authentic Mexican food, including Pan de Muerto (Day of the Dead bread) and a traditional Mexican pantheon display. A Procession to Remember Dearly Departed will be held Saturday evening at 7 p.m. FREE. For more information, visit www.tallermexicano.org. HAUNTED CAPITOL HILL EVENTS On Saturday, October 30, join The Procession of Lost Souls Parade. Come wake the dead in a costume procession up Broadway, and witness a parade of the most creative, artistic, and scary (or silly) costumes in Seattle. A costume contest will kick it off. Enter to win great prizes in five categories including Quintessentially Capitol Hill and Best Group. Costume Contest 6 p.m., Parade begins at 7 p.m. Meet at Seattle Central Community College’s outdoor plaza (Broadway & E. Pine). On Sunday, October 31, join the Creepy Crawl Parade – Halloween is the day for spooky sprites. Little ones in costume will be showing off their garb around Cal Anderson Park, followed by trick-or-treating at Broadway merchants. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream Truck will be there with treats. Begins at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.hauntedbroadway.com. WATOTO’S RESTORE TOUR: CHILD SOLDIER NO MORE On Saturday, October 30 at 5 p.m. at Eastridge Church (24205 SE Issaquah Fall City Rd., Issaquah, WA), Watoto’s Restore Tour: Child Soldier No More will appear as part of its worldwide tour. The tour was designed to share a story of courage from war-torn Uganda through the rescue and restoration of child soldiers. Greeted in the U.S. by enthusiastic overflow crowds, this free stage production chronicles the child soldiers from the region of northern Uganda which has endured some of the worst atrocities known to man. The world-class production provides audiences the opportunity to meet the children, hear their stories, and share in their newfound freedom, dignity, and hope, as well as provide financial support. Set to the backdrop of vibrant music, dance, drama and multimedia (http://vimeo. com/12844830), this highly poignant live production is intended to illuminate the realities of what has taken place. For more information, visit www.watoto. com.

FREAK BOUTIQUE HALLOWEEN PARTY On Sunday, October 31 at 8 p.m. at Trinity Nightclub (111 Yesler Ave.), Scarlett Planet presents the 6th Annual Freak Boutique Halloween party. With a $5,000 costume contest. The Seattle Freak Boutique is a costume-mandatory event, meaning all guests are asked to dress as appropriately or inappropriately as they prefer. This event is ages 21 and older. Best costumes are judged in the categories of Most Original, Sexiest Couple, and Best Group. Winners divide a prize package worth more than $5,000 in cash and prizes. The costume contest is hosted by Emmy-nominated Sasha Scarlett. Burlesque Performers: Shanghai Pearl and Fuchsia Foxx. Halloween Hotties: Smoking hot female dancers from Lil Darlings. Six Fetish Stages where guests can experience fetish and fantasy. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at the door. For more information, visit www.seattlefreakboutique.com. BAILEY-BOUSHAY HOUSE MEMORIAL SERVICE On Monday, November 1 at 6:30 p.m. Bailey-Boushay House (2720 E. Madison St.) will hold a memorial service for the families and friends of clients who have died at the facility. The memorial service will include blessings from Bailey-Boushay House spiritual coordinator Jill Spruce, as well as community clergy. Special remembrance of individuals who passed away from 2003 to 2010 will be included in the service. Participants will be given an opportunity to share remembrances of any individual cared for at Bailey-Boushay House. “Bailey-Boushay House holds a special place in the hearts and minds of families and friends who lost loved ones to AIDS or other diseases,” said Brian Knowles, executive director of BaileyBoushay House. “This memorial service provides a special opportunity to remember those individuals and reunite with this community that embraced and cared for them in their final days.” All are welcome to attend. RSVP is appreciated. Call (206) 720-2331 or e-mail bbh@ vmmc.org.

DUNSHEE HOUSE SUPPORT GROUP FACILITATOR TRAINING On Saturday, November 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Dunshee House (303 17th Ave. E.), Dunshee House will hold its Support Group Facilitator Training. Support group facilitators will provide an in-depth look at the fundamentals of peer-led support groups through lively, interactive presentations, role-playing exercises, and peer mentoring. Topics explored include structure and framework of groups, group dynamics, listening skills, group focus, and creating a safe place for openness and sharing. Lunch provided each day. Applications to attend must be submitMACCT POTLUCK AND ted by November 1. For an application, COSTUME PARTY On Saturday, October 30 at 7 p.m., Men of visit Dunshee House or e-mail josh@dunAll Colors & Cultures Together (MACCT) sheehouse.org. will be hosting a Potluck Halloween CosGSBA’S PRIME TIME EAST tume Party. Please call 206-923-8313 or On Tuesday, November 2, from 5:30-7:30 email macctseattle@yahoo.com for addip.m. at Grand Cru Mixologie Lounge (108th tional location information / directions. MACCT is a Gay/Bisexual multi-racial, Ave. NE, Bellevue), the GSBA will hold multi-cultural organization committed to Prime Time East. Mix and mingle with othfostering supportive environments wherein ers while enjoying cocktails and fabulous racial and cultural barriers can be overcome wine. This event is FREE. For more information, visit www.thegsba. and the goal of human equality realized. org/events. RADICAL WOMEN ELECTION NIGHT HALLOWEEN PARTY COMEDY SHOW On Saturday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m. at On Tuesday, November 2, from 8:30-10 New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), come to a Halloween costume party for p.m. at The Comedy Underground (109 S. feminists and other seditious souls. The Washington St.), join us for a night of standseditious spirit-raising soiree will weave up comedy at Seattle’s Comedy Underspells to kibosh bloodsucking budget cuts ground, with proceeds generously donated and exorcise exploiters. Highlights include to the ACLU of Washington. Often political dancing, a costume contest, no-host bar, and always hilarious, each week Non-Profit and a satirical floorshow. The door dona- Comedy produces a night of stand-up comtion is $5. A frightfully flavorful feast will edy where proceeds are generously donated be served for $10. The party is a benefit for to various local organizations. Show your support for civil liberties. There is no drink Radical Women. For more information, call 206-722-6057 minimum but food and beverages are available. Open to all ages, but always a free or visit RadicalWomen.org/seattle.html. speech zone. www.aclu-wa.org.

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October 29, 2010

SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN BOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Dunshee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). All GLBTQ folks in the community are welcome to participate in this FREE book club. The book for November will be Stuck Rubber Baby by Howard Cruse. This Gay graphic novel classic is about a closeted Gay boy coming out during the Civil Rights Movement in the South. For more information, e-mail nickdimartin@earthlink.net or contact Dunshee House at 206-322-2437. NAKED TRUTH BOOK RELEASE PARTY On Thursday, November 4 from 7-10 p.m. at The Lobby Bar (916 E. Pike St.), come to the release party for Naked Truth: Exposing Men’s Souls, a book of photography by Jim Wilkinson. CODES AND SECRET DEEDS: AFRICAN SPIRITUAL PRACTICE THROUGH THE DIASPORA On Thursday, November 4 at 7 p.m. at Seattle University LeRoux Conference Center in the Student Center on the UW Campus, Central District Forum for Arts and Ideas Presents: Codes and Secret Deeds: African Spiritual Practice Through the Diaspora. Join moderator Reverend Flora Wilson Bridges, PhD and a panel of religious practitioners and experts for a lively discussion around the traditions and history of Black spiritual practices throughout time. The event is co-presented by Seattle University Division of Student Development. CD Forum will be taking a deeper look into the history and evolution of Ifa, Candomble, Santeria, Voodoo, and other spiritualities, as well as examining how they are present in the lives of people today. How did West African religions change during the Middle Passage? How are people continuing to practice these traditions in the United States and around the world? Tickets: $5 students and seniors/$7 advance/$10 door. Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/producer/1200 or by calling 1(800) 838-3006. For more information, visit www.cdforum.org or call 206-323-4032. BENT: 10TH ANNUAL MENTOR SHOWCASE On Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6, Regie Cabico will headline the Bent Mentor Showcase, doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m., at the Museum of History and Industry’s McEachern Auditorium, 2700 24th Ave. E. The showcase, an annual event that has become a fixture within the Seattle Queer arts scene, will include performances by Cabico and Bent writing students. Cabico is described as an “out and proud Filipino American Gay man who has been called the Lady Gaga of spoken word poets.” He has won several high awards at various national slam poetry contests, has written several plays and regularly performs stand-up comedy, and has twice been featured on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. A writing workshop will be held on Saturday, November 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at a location to be announced. The performances will take place over two nights, November 5 and 6, with doors at 7 p.m. For more information, e-mail terrakitty@gmail. com or visit www.bentwriting.com. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/128828. STOP POLICE BRUTALITY PUBLIC FORUM On Friday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), join the public forum “Stop Police Brutality in Our Community.” Civil rights attorneys Lem Howell and Val Carlson, social worker Griffin Street and Native American activist Feanette Black Bear will kick off a community discussion and offer solutions to escalating police violence. Door donation $1-3 and snack plates will be available for a $6 donation. Sponsored by the Freedom Socialist Party. Wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 206-722-2453 or e-mail FSPseattle@mindspring.com.

Seattle Gay News

October 29, 2010

Celebrating 37 Years!

Difficult travel in Africa photo by Barry Thorsness

by Barry Thorsness SGN African Correspondent Louis and I decided to spend our last night on Mozambique Island at Ruby’s. It was wonderful, and it gave us a chance to finally chat with Jack. Until then, our conversations and interactions with Jack had been limited. We thought he might be Gay, but we were so busy playing with our Dutch friends, we had not had any time to talk about it until Sunday night on Ruby’s rooftop terrace. Jack, we found out, was going our exact route to Malawi. When I say exact route, I mean sorting out the overnight stays, getting train tickets, knowing where the chapas (small buses/vans) or trucks went, figuring out boats that often don’t follow their own schedules, and ultimately leaving Mozambique and entering Malawi by dhow (sailboat). On Sunday night, we said goodbye to the friends at Ruby’s. It was the first time in 15 weeks I felt depressed. Mozambique Island had really grown on us. After some travel, we got to the train station at Nampula and boarded (after waiting in the wrong line for a long time). Everyone we had talked to had loved the train trip. Our Lonely Planet travel guidebook listed it as the author’s favorite “must-do.” It was wonderful and fascinating. Mountains like immense boulders stood on the African landscape. Vendors came up to the windows in every little town – some towns had onions and potatoes, while others sold bread and tomatoes. After about three stops, we had enough food to make sandwiches, and the train had additional passengers in the form of live chickens. We walked to the dining car to get a bench and table to make our lunch and eat it. The car was state-of-the-art – two centuries ago. You could see the ground flashing by through the floorboards. The kitchen on the train really looked like something from 1890. The fires were blazing and so hot I don’t know how the kitchen staff could work (incredibly, their food was actually quite good). Suddenly, out of the cracks between the boards of the walls of the car, a cockroach army scurried out. It was not to be our last encounter with these critters. As we traveled on the train, we got to know Jack. He was born in Lesotho, an African country completely surrounded by South Africa. He had lived for a number of years in an orphanage in Lesotho, gone to school in Lesotho and then by scholarship in South Africa. He was finally fostered by a couple in Ottawa, Canada. He created and runs the Joy Foundation, which gives scholarships to orphans around the world to help with their education.

We got to Lichinga and went to Metangula to catch a boat due for Cobue. It was dark when we got to Metangula, and we left Louis with our stuff as Jack and I went off to find a place to stay. Jack made the acquaintance of the person in charge of tickets for the boat and then he met the captain. We were offered free accommodation on his boat! I was thrilled and Louis seemed OK as we walked down to the boat in the dark. Our boat was sitting with its bow on the beach, listing somewhat to one side. We climbed up a narrow ladder from about foot of water onto the bow. We lowered ourselves into the old creosote-smelling room. As we put our stuff on the beds, we noticed the walls move. Cockroaches everywhere – the threeinch, flying African kind. Louis went onto the deck, looking at us with eyes that said, “I will kill you, and you are both crazy.” We sat on the benches on the bow to talk about things. I went below and got our sleeping bags and brought them up on the deck. Jack had adapted somewhat to our cockroach cabin and had gone to bed. I made up a bed on the front deck of the boat and Louis sat on the bench wrapped in a sheet. Suddenly, Louis jumped up with a giant cockroach crawling up his sheet. I stood with Louis on the deck, on a wonderful, warm African night with a full moon. We didn’t get any sleep that night. When it was time for our official boarding, the boat was stuck on the sand. Watching the scenario made Monty Python seem like conservative comedy. They roared the diesel and a half-dozen people would try to push, but the boat would just list one way, then the other, and not move. We watched this routine for over an hour. Finally, the boat finally pulled off the sand. We were off on our 12-hour cruise up the coast of Lake Malawi to Cobue. When we made it to Malawi, we spent some time visiting a family with a 1-yearold albino baby boy. Jack is helping support the boy and had a large package of donated suntan lotion and many clothes. Being an albino in Africa is life-threatening, not because of the sun or the other challenges an albino has, but because there are many people who believe that the flesh and body parts of an albino will make them invisible, if you use the hair in your nets you will catch big fish, and the internal organs will make you strong. Living here on the island was actually a relative safe haven from this threat. We really enjoyed the water, scenery, and great evening meals. Then it was time to get ready for the 12-hour boat trip to Nkhata Bay for our next stop.

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Celebrating 37 Years!

You’ll Never

WalkAlone An all-ages Dance Party and Fundraiser to benefit Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP)

November 7, 2010 Doors at 6pm, Show 7-10pm Neighbours Nightclub A donation at the door gets you in!

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Celebrating 37 Years!

OUTLoud: Making a difference for LGBTQ youth in Washington Courtesy Heather Carter

about why the situation is the way it is for so many of these youth – it’s not because they are “Gay,” it’s because of the reaction to this identity. When you are face to face with an LGBT-identified youth who’s telling you they need more support from the adults in their life because they feel alone, most adults will feel a connection with that and try to increase that support in the youth’s life. A huge piece of the education we provide is that this is not just an LGBT issue. Youth are bullied and teased based on anti-Gay bias all the time that don’t identify that way. It’s all too common for people to either perceive someone as LGBT or to just bully them based on that identity because it’s such a “great” way to get to them. In fact, statistically speaking, more straight-identified youth are bullied using anti-LGBT language than LGBT youth. We have to do something about this now. The “It Gets Better” Project is great and truly heartfelt, but we need to “Make Things Better” (another great project) for these youth now – not tell them to hang on until this unforeseen future comes and miraculously changes things for the better. In my small way, I am working to make things better for these youth now so they don’t have to just “hang on.” I truly believe that OUTLoud is making a difference for LGBTQ youth in Washington state, and I think it would be a huge loss if we were forced to shut the program down due to lack of funds, which is a very real fear in this economy. I’m working on fumes right now and hoping that more funding will come in soon so we can not only continue this work, but continue to expand our reach and our focus. For more information about the Youth Suicide Prevention Program and OUTLoud or to make a donation, please visit www. yspp.org.

Heather Carter

by Heather Carter Special to SGN With all the media coverage of the recent youth suicides, I am convinced more now than I have been for the past three years that the program I run is valuable to our community. I run OUTLoud for the Youth Suicide Prevention Program. OUTLoud provides public education (through trainings and community outreach) focusing on LGBTQ youth and their risk for suicide, self-harm, and depression, and also focuses on bullying and bias-based harassment and the links these experiences have to lifelong negative mental health outcomes. Through education, the adults that provide services to youth (whether in schools or community organizations or within family structures) can be provided with the tools they need in order to increase support for these youth, thereby reducing their risks. The education also provides understanding

LGBT club making a difference at Highline Community College by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The members of People Respecting Individuals and Sexual Minorities (PRISM), an LGBTQI student club at Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington, tell Seattle Gay News they intend to continue making a difference at their school by providing visibility and offer training to students and faculty alike. Mandy Mineard and Josh Magallanes, coadvisers for PRISM, said it is important to have an LGBTQI club at Highline because it not only establishes them as a cultural club, but provides Queer students with a safe space within academia. “Diversity is so important in colleges across the country because it provides awareness of a diverse population outside the walls of the institution, and because the support comes from within the institution from administration and faculty, we send the message that we are not going to merely tolerate multiculturalism but also promote it and celebrate it,” Josh and Mandy told SGN in a written statement. “The closer we get to normalcy,” they said, “the closer we get to acceptance.” Pablo Monroy, a PRISM club member, says that Highline is very culturally diverse – the most diverse in the state, in fact – so he feels it is important to “maintain that spirit of diversity by having a club that represents the LGBTQI community.” “Ever corner of the country has its differences, from the way we talk, to the environment around us,” said Pablo. “This difference we share unites us. Those stuck in places in the country that don’t respect them for who they are, we have to unite with them, reach out to them. In a college envi-

ronment, they leave their comfort of home and begin to become who they want to become. Having a safe environment to do that is why clubs like PRISM are important.” To show their presence, PRISM set up a “Coming Out of the Closet” table on National Coming Out Day. PRISM officials say that the visibility of their tabling provided a very important opportunity to sign up new members, meet with students who came out of the closet that very day, and meet with allies. Devyn D., a PRISM club member and straight ally, told SGN, “I have met other allies but, honestly, not as many as I would like.” Pablo said the tabling event was an eyeopening experience. “I was in a world where I thought people moved past homophobia, and while many had, it was surprising to see those who scoffed at our table and looked at us with disgust,” he said. “Some looked curious and wanted to come up to our table, but were stuck with friends and seemed afraid to leave the bubble. It was for those people that I was there – to show that it is OK to come out.” Pablo, a new student at Highline and openly Gay Navy veteran, says that he is finding “more and more Gay allies every day.” Devyn, Josh, Mandy and Pablo – along with the other members and supporters of PRISM – are looking towards the future and are ready to roll up their sleeves and continue working on making Highline Community College as safe for LGBTQI students as possible. “We’ve made strides, but we need to continue the fight for acceptance and equality for multiculturalism,” concluded PRISM officials.

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Seattle Gay News 17

Purr celebrates five years James Whitely

Barbie Humphrey (center), owner of Purr

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer On October 20, loyal customers of Purr (1518 11th Ave.) packed the upscale cocktail lounge for the bar’s long-awaited fifth anniversary party. “The amount of friendships and relationships that have developed through our customer base has been extremely rewarding,” Purr owner Barbie Humphrey told SGN. Barbie is well known in the community for her upbeat nature, shining personality, and her love for each and every one of her many regulars. For Barbie, Purr is a safe, non-threatening place where anyone can come in and feel warm and welcome. “I feel like that’s how my cats feel when they’re purring,” said Barbie. “That’s where the name ‘Purr’ came from.” There was a lot to celebrate that night. The event was designed as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation – a grassroots organization made up of breast cancer survivors and activists working to find the cure – and as a celebration of Barbie’s own victory over breast cancer.

Purr’s anniversary fell three months after Barbie’s surgery, making the party her threemonth survivor celebration, as well. “The amount of support that came from this community was tremendous,” said Barbie. “The fifth anniversary celebration was a way to thank all of them and to thank the community for supporting us for these past five years.” The event raised $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen foundation. “It’s a huge accomplishment,” said Barbie. Purr has two Halloween parties this weekend. Saturday’s party will send the winner of the costume contest off with $1,000, and Purr’s Sunday party, Nuns Go Bump in the Night, will be hosted by the Sisters of the Mother House. (The Sisters of the Mother House are not affiliated with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan.) Every other Wednesday is Purr’s ladies’ night in the upstairs lounge. The next ladies’ night is set for November 10. Check out Purr’s website at www.purrseattle.com for more information on Purr’s upcoming holiday events.

Is Gold’s Gym the new Target? by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

the Broadway Market Gold’s Gym on Capitol Hill. Day after day, hundreds of gym cards are scanned as the gym bunnies of our At any given hour, sweaty, hard-bodied community – and those who are determined Gays chisel away at their physique inside to keep weight gain at bay – fill the popu-

Religion & Spirituality

lar workout facility. The Broadway Gold’s Gym survives because of its Gay clientele which is why it may come as a surprise to some patrons that Robert Rowling, the CEO or TRT Holdings (the owners of Gold’s Gym), is spending quite a bit of money this election cycle. According to news reports in several influential Gay newspapers and LGBT blogs, Rowling is using both his corporate and personal bank accounts – giving upwards of $2 million to Karl Rove’s ultra-conservative new organization, American Crossroads – to support some of the most anti-Gay politicians in the country. For the time being, it would appear that Gold’s Gym is the new Target Corporation. Over the summer, Target Corp. officials gave $150,000 to a conservative Minnesota group that campaigned for a candidate who opposes same-sex marriage. After the outcry, the CEO of Target ultimately said he was “genuinely sorry” for the move, but refused to donate in-kind money to pro-LGBT candidates, prompting national boycotts of Target stores and resulting in the Human Rights Campaign’s donation of $150,000 to the Democratic candidate for Minnesota governor. The Gold’s Gym-backed anti-Gay equality candidates include Nevada’s Sharon Angle, who once said that Gay people should be banned from adopting children and that homosexuality would lead to the downfall of the United States, and Roy Blunt, who advocates a rewrite of the U.S. Constitution to

ban Gay marriage. Meanwhile, Gold’s Gym and its Gay clientele continues to line the pockets of Rowling. That is unacceptable to Change.org officials. Change.org is an online resource that raises awareness about important causes and empowers people to take action. Change.org has started a petition urging Gold’s Gym to stop supporting anti-Gay politicians. Here’s what petitioners say: “I’d like an official response from Gold’s Gym about the anti-Gay political donations of one of its senior executives. This type of corporate activity is unacceptable, and it’s a huge disservice to your LGBT customers. They deserve to know the truth about the political priorities of the leaders of both TRT Holdings and Gold’s Gym.” So far, the petition has been signed by upwards of 2,500 concerned citizens, and prompted a statement from Rowling himself on the anti-Gay donations. “Gold’s Gym is apolitical. We welcome all members without regard to race, gender, or sexual orientation,” Rowling said. “We always have, and we always will.” “The facts are so distorted,” Rowling says, explaining that his $2 million donation was due solely to fiscal policy. “I’ve never heard one discussion of a social issue. This is all about fiscal sanity.” Rowling says American Crossroads “supports conservative candidates, and even though those candidates may disagree with them on social issues, the resounding issue is fiscal responsibility.”

by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer

the school had cancelled the official prom. Judge Davidson ruled that McMillen’s civil rights were violated, thus the school district became liable for fees to the plaintiff and her attorneys. “The court finds this expression and communication falls squarely within the purview of the First Amendment,” Judge Davidson said in his initial ruling. Although the case is finally at its close, it is likely this won’t be the last we hear of McMillen, who has since graduated high school and is now a community college student in Memphis, TN. Her story is currently in production as a made-for-TV movie. “Constance previously got an award of $35,000 as damages, a judgment that the school district violated her constitutional rights, plus an order that the district adopt a non-discrimination policy covering sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, which is the first such policy adopted by any public school district in Mississippi,” Esseks told SGN. “Those fees and costs function as an additional disincentive for parts of the government, including public school districts, to violate students’ constitutional rights. Just like other lawyers bringing constitutional claims, the ACLU recovers fees and costs under that federal statute when we prevail for our clients. Those funds help keep the doors open so we can help more kids like

Judge orders payments for ACLU in Constance McMillen case On Monday, October 25, 2010, U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson ordered Mississippi’s Itawamba County School District to pay $81,000 to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of their case involving Constance McMillen, the Lesbian teen – and now Lesbian youth icon – who successfully sued her school district for not allowing her to attend the prom with a female date. “The ACLU and the cooperating lawyers we worked with did the case without any charge to Constance or her family – they paid us nothing. But there’s a federal statute that says that when a court finds that the government has violated the constitution, the government also has to pay reasonable attorneys fees and costs to the plaintiff’s lawyers,” said James Esseks, director of the ACLU LGBT Project. According to court documents, the school district is liable for $67,265 in attorney fees and $14,400 for other legal expenses. An earlier ruling awarded $35,000 to Constance directly. The reason for the new ruling was in regards to McMillen’s testimony that she was sent to a “sham prom” when everyone else in her senior class was sent to another school prom, sponsored by parents after

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Celebrating 37 Years!

Karl Rove ads target Patty Murray File photo

nowhere near the same volume of money. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, independent campaigns on both sides will spend more than $17 million on the Washington Senate race between Murray and Republican challenger Dino Rossi. Ad buys attacking Murray or supporting Rossi total more than $8.1 million. Ads on the other side, opposing Rossi or supporting Murray, total somewhat less than $6.5 million. On top of that, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $1 million in the past week on ads that mentioned either Murray or Rossi or both. The chamber’s expenditures are in a different category, because its ads do not specifically endorse a candidate, although in this election cycle it has spent heavily to support Republican candidates. Rove has clearly identified Murray as one of his main targets. More than 75% of his Crossroads GPS ad buys are aimed at just three Democratic Senate candidates: Murray, Alexi Giannoulias of Illinois, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Fully one-third of Rossi’s outside money comes from Rove’s Crossroads GPS group. Another Rove group, American Crossroads PAC, has spent an additional $736,563 on the Washington senate race. The Republican National Senatorial Committee is also a big player in the race, spending more than $2.8 million to promote Rossi. Outside money is helping Rossi to overcome his disadvantage in direct campaign

Karl Rove

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Republican strategist Karl Rove is targeting Democratic Senator Patty Murray with $3.3 million worth of attack ads, with more than one third of that total – $1.2 million – being spent in the past two weeks. Once known as “Bush’s brain,” Rove was the architect of George W. Bush’s two successful runs for governor of Texas and two successful presidential campaigns. In this election cycle, Rove is one of a group of high-level Republican operatives who are bypassing the Republican National Committee to run independent right-wing election campaigns. They are being answered by independent spending on the Democratic side, but with

contributions. Rossi’s own campaign committee has collected some $7.4 million in donations. Patty Murray has raised $10.5 million for her campaign. The big difference between the candidates’ own campaign committees and most of the independent players is that the campaign committees are required to disclose their donors. Most outside groups are not. In its Citizens United decision in January, the U.S. Supreme Court stuck down campaign spending limits and ruled that many independent expenditure organizations – like Rove’s Crossroads GPS – do not have to disclose their funding sources. The other Rove group, American Crossroads, does have to disclose its donors. Among its backers is Bob Perry, a Texas

real estate developer who financed the Swift Boat ads that helped sink Sen. John Kerry’s presidential bid in 2004. Another American Crossroads donor whose participation came to light recently is Robert Rowling, CEO of TRT Holdings – the parent company of Gold’s Gym. On the Democratic side, the biggest spenders – Commonsense 10 and the National Education Association Advocacy Fund – are required to disclose donors. Senate campaign committees and party committees, both Democratic and Republican, also have to disclose. By law, independent campaign organizations are required to be genuinely independent. In other words, they may not coordinate their ad buys or messaging with the candidates they are supporting.

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Seattle Gay News 19

trumka

continued from cover of its 150 affiliated union locals. It is currently posted on the MLKCLC website, www.mlkclc.org. Initiated by local columnist Dan Savage, the “It Gets Better” project is designed to offer hope of a better future to LGBT teens who might be targets of bullying or hate speech. At last count, the project has attracted more than 3,000 videos, including statements by President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In his video, Trumka recalls his own childhood in a Polish-Italian immigrant family living in a small coal town in eastern Pennsylvania. “When I was a kid,” Trumka says, “there was an ugly name for every one of us – wop,

hunky, polack, kike. Our relatives spoke with thick accents their whole lives. We were the last hired and the first fired. The people who did the hardest and the most dangerous work. The people whose pay got shorted because we didn’t know the language and we were afraid to complain.” Reflecting on his own experiences, Trumka continues. “I’m here to tell you that it does get better. As you grow up, you find communities that accept you and love you, and you can get away from the toxic ones that don’t.” “But that’s not actually enough,” Trumka adds. “We need to make it better. We need to confront discrimination head-on and not just wait. This is one of the big fights of my generation, and of yours. Let’s make sure it’s not the fight of the next generation, too.” Pride At Work executive director Peggy Shorey called Trumka’s video “a landmark moment.” “Over decades, thousands of courageous LGBTQ union members have come out in their unions and their workplaces. The lasting impact of those voices in changing culture and developing understanding cannot be underestimated,” Shorey said in a statement. “At the same time, some of the most powerful moments of change come when it’s the straight white guy in the room who gets up and says, ‘I get it. And I’m standing with you.’ That kind of solidarity is what the labor movement is about – an injury to one is an injury to all. That kind of solidarity is

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how we will change the world.” With 56 national and international unions representing over 11 million members, the AFL-CIO is the country’s largest labor federation. Trumka was elected AFL-CIO president at the federation’s 2009 convention. In his speech to the convention, Trumka called for full inclusion of LGBT workers in the U.S. labor movement, including positions of leadership. Currently American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Wohlforth are out Lesbians. Wohlforth is a former national cochair of Pride At Work. Service Employees (SEIU) President Mary Kay Henry is also an out Lesbian, but her union is not affiliated with the AFLCIO. In 1997, Trumka’s predecessor as AFLCIO president, John Sweeney, chartered Pride At Work to represent LGBT union members.

DADT

continued from cover

Congress. Pro-military advocates agree with the president, warning against the dangers of letting federal district court judges make significant Pentagon policy, saying it would essentially turn the military over to a network of political appointees who could be swayed by various pressure groups. In all reality, military brass worries that if a district court judge in one unilateral order can strike down a legal ban on DADT – as did federal Judge Virginia Phillips – then such judges also could strike down the prohibition on women in land combat, or rules on wearing a uniform, or requirements for grooming, or even the global war on terrorism. “The federal judging is intervening here in a way that I regard as unconstitutional,” retired Air Force General Merrill McPeak told the Washington Times. “The Constitution says that it’s Congress that sets the rules and regulations for the armed forces – not some federal judge.” Democrats in Congress failed to pass a repeal last month and their chances in the future are uncertain – even as poll after poll point toward an overwhelming desire by the American public for repeal. The issue of DADT has appeared in many congressional races around the nation, as Election Day quickly approaches. Perhaps the most bizarre reference could be found in the race between openly Gay Congressman Barney Frank and Republican candidate Sean Bielat of Massachusetts. “There’s no absolutely right to serve,”

said Bielat. “Men under five feet, two inches can’t serve – I don’t see anyone protesting.” What? The latest argument against Gays serving openly is, “You Must Be This Tall To Serve.” Obviously Rep. Frank, who’s been a fierce advocate for the LGBT community during his many years in congress, thought Bielat’s comments were ridiculous, as any non-bigot would. Bielta’s argument, in truth, helps reinforce Gay advocates argument for open Gay service in the military. Men fewer than five feet, two inches tall cannot serve in the armed forces because their physical status actually hinders the military’s capabilities. Gays should be allowed to serve because sexuality has nothing to do with one’s ability to fight. How do we know this as a fact? Because Gay members already serve – just not openly. In the Obama administration’s latest attempt to stay in good favor with Gay voters, top White House officials met with opponents of DADT this week in an effort to plot out a strategy to repeal the policy during the upcoming lame-duck session of Congress. The meeting, which was supposed to be secret, was leaked to the press. The Advocate reported that participants in the meeting were told by the White House not to bring up the pending litigation or the meeting would be cancelled. On the surface, that may seem draconian, but government lawyers are not permitted to discuss litigation with someone who’s a party to that litigation outside the presence of that person’s lawyers. It was reported that at least two of the activists at the “not-sosecret meeting” are directly involved in the Log Cabin Republicans v. U.S.A. case. At the end of the day, whether you are short or tall, a government lawyer, or were or were not invited to the White House’ secret meeting, DADT is still on the books, and the estimated 65,000 Gay and Lesbian men and women currently serving in the armed forces must continue to do so quietly.

murray

continued from cover warming. Other Democratic incumbents also got high scores from HRC. Jay Inslee (D-1) and Adam Smith (D-9) each received a 96% rating. Inslee and Smith failed to score 100% because neither has co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-2) faces a tough challenge from right-wing Republican John Koster. Larsen got a 92% score from HRC. He has not co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act or the Early Treatment for HIV Act. Larsen did, however, support the Approve Referendum 71 campaign to guarantee same-sex domestic partner rights and benefits, which Koster opposed. And Larsen has voted to fund federal HIV/AIDS programs in the past. He has been endorsed by SGN, HRC, many labor organizations, and openly Gay state Rep. Marko Liias. Norm Dicks (D-6) also got a 92% score from HRC. Dicks has not co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act or the UAFA, Republican members of Congress failed to impress HRC. Dave Reichert (R-8) scored a 25% rating because he voted Yes on federal hate crimes legislation. Reichert is facing an unexpectedly strong challenge from Democrat Suzan DelBene. She has been endorsed by HRC, ERW, Washington Stonewall Democrats, and a number of labor organizations. The two other Republican House members – Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Doc Hastings – got 0% ratings from HRC, indicating across-the-board opposition to LGBT equality. Retiring Democratic Congressman Brian Baird (D-3) also received a 100% rating from HRC. Washington’s other Democratic Senator, Maria Cantwell, who is not up for re-election this year, got a 96% rating. She has not co-sponsored the Early Treatment for HIV Act.

Celebrating 37 Years!

obama

continued from cover some spirited rabble rousing. “To those who say we have an enthusiasm gap, I have four words to say: Come to Washington state!” Murray delivered an impassioned speech that began with an anecdote about growing up as a teen with a father with multiple sclerosis. This upbringing influenced her to run for the U.S. Senate. “I did it so we can spend less time talking about Washington, D.C., and more time talking about Washington state,” she said. After urging everyone to get out the vote, Murray introduced President Obama as someone who works harder for “young people in this state” than anyone else. President Obama’s much-anticipated turn at the podium was greeted with deafening fanfare. He began by saying, “Hello, Hus-

kies!” and when a student yelled out “I love you!” the president responded with “I love you back!” Establishing a personal tone with the audience, he said, “We need to be fired up because in just a few days we face a critical election. … There are a lot of folks out there in Washington, D.C., saying that it can’t be done. But we have heard that before. We have heard, ‘We can’t elect a black guy with a funny name like Obama!’ and you all showed them that ‘Oh yes, we can!’” Before launching into a pointed appeal to the audience to support Senator Murray, the president reminded everyone of the stakes involved in next week’s midterm election. “The Republicans are always telling us what we cannot do,” he said. “Jobs are disappearing overseas as college and health care costs are skyrocketing in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Almost one million American jobs were lost before my economic policies were in place.” He re-

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minded the audience that Republicans want there is a tap on my shoulder, and I turn to cut higher education funding by 20% around. It’s the Republicans saying, ‘We while advocating a tax break of $700 billion want the keys to the car back.’ And I say, that only the wealthiest 2% of the U.S. popu- ‘You can’t have the keys back; you can’t lation will qualify for. He went on to say that drive!’” Rossi “has the distinction of being the first “When you drive a car,” he said, “you put candidate in the country to call for the repeal it in D for drive, or Democrat. When you of Wall Street reform. Folks, it is up to you want to go backwards, you put the gear in R, to say we are not buying what you are sell- for Republican.” ing.” Citing his attempts to reach bipartisan The president made historical references consensus to get the economy back on track, to fortify his speech. “In the words of the he said, “Although we are proud to be Dem- first Republican president, Lincoln, we also ocrats, we are prouder to be Americans.” believe that ‘the government should do for In a clear reference to the country’s as- the people what the people cannot do indisailed automotive industry, the president vidually for themselves.’” He also noted likened Republican control of the U.S. in the government’s necessity to ensure clean air, last decade to an abandoned car. “The big- energy, water, and education. He questioned gest mistake we can make is to go back to the current trend of big corporations to dothe policies that caused all this hurt in the nate to the Republican Party without disfirst place. The Republicans took America’s closing their identities, saying “This is not car and drove it down into a ditch – a really just a threat to government, but a threat to deep ditch. Patty and I show up, and the Re- democracy.” publicans get out of the car and abandon it in Addressing many Democrats’ frustration the ditch,” he said. with slow change and negative advertising, Obama described himself and Murray as the president said, “I understand that some makeshift mechanics who, after much hard of you might think back to election night, work, have managed to push the vehicle out inauguration night – Beyoncé was singing – of the ditch and back onto the road. “Then and ask, ‘What happened?’ You see another foreclosure sign, and it doesn’t help when you see another negative ad. But you can’t let it get to you. You can never let anyone tell you that this fight is not worth fighting, Seattle.” In closing, the president combined his election night theme of hope with another historical interlude. The audience was urged to believe in change, stay positive, and do its part by going to vote “not tomorrow, not the next day, but today.” The president went on to observe that the country was once 13 colonies that sparked a revolution “based on the simple proposition that all men are created equal.” He went on to link the colonists’ independence from the British Empire, the demise of chattel slavery, and the women’s suffrage movement to later social movements for worker and civil rights. Before concluding with “God bless you,” embracing Senator Murray, and then shaking hands with members of the audience, the president offered some final advice: “Don’t let anyone tell you change isn’t possible,” he said. “Don’t let them get you down.”

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Celebrating 37 Years!

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